A funding injection of $1.12 million from the Government has provided 25 locals with employment during a time of economic uncertainty.

Rotorua Lakes Council is working with local contractors InfraCore Limited to deliver a programme of work that has redeployed 25 locals affected by COVID-19 into roles with InfraCore for a number of months.

The objective of the programme is to enable locals to continue to work, providing a boost to the local economy, and carry out important work on community assets.

Rotorua Lakes Council Infrastructure Group Manager Stavros Michael says the opportunity is a win, win situation for everyone.

'Being able to keep locals in employment is important not just for our economy but also for the wellbeing of the community. We know that for most people having employment is not just about a steady pay cheque. It's mana enhancing, it's about learning new skills, giving back to the community and connecting with others.”

The Government announced $1.12 million of support for Rotorua in May, as part of a wider funding package for regions hit hard by the economic impacts of COVID-19.

The funding aims to keep New Zealand businesses going and help workers remain in employment – outcomes that align with Rotorua's Build Back Better strategy.

'We assessed our work programmes and, working with InfraCore, we have opened up 25 positions for fixed-term roles. Being able to offer that and also carry out important work on our community assets is a big win for us.”

Council contracted InfraCore to deliver the programme, aligning with the work they already do in the community on Council's behalf.

Infracore are responsible for the recruitment, training and operations of the initiative. The new recruits are working on vegetation control on rural roads, culvert cleaning and some tree removal. Prior to beginning work, each recruit also went through a series of training days including first aid and traffic controlling.

InfraCore Limited Chief Executive Matthew Scott says the opportunity to work alongside Council and the Provincial Development Unit has meant everything to the business.

'Understandably we found that the recruits have been geared to looking toward the future. They are just glad to have the opportunity to get back into some mahi, even if it is for a fixed period.

'The crew have been at it for a few weeks now and the crew leads say the teams are working really well and making fantastic progress in such a short time. All the team members have a great work attitude.

'It means everything to InfraCore. An important part of our core purpose is to deliver positive social outcomes to the community in which we operate. It's great that we've been able to assist people get back on their feet post-COVID, being able to provide an opportunity to develop new skills and keep themselves buoyant and positive – that's the best outcome for us.”

Meet some of the new recruits who have joined the redeployment programme HERE